The Spring Festival 2026 Exhibition opened Thursday, March 19th in the bright, shiny, newly exhibit room – a real treat for a collection honoring Spring! The colors We had 25 entries for al over Robeson County, a real mix of creative talents. In addition to 2-dimensional works in oil, acrylic, and oil, there are mixed media and collage pieces, a stunning pottery piece and even a needlepoint work. Be sure to stop in and see these new works for yourself soon. The exhibition closes on Thursday, May 7th.
Special announcement
Although the exhibition closes on May 7th, we are delighted to announce that the entries and a selection of other artwork will be part of the afternoon of art and original music composed and performed by Mark Andersen at Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday, May 16th. This event is the first of what we hope will become a regular program for the Robeson Art Guild: short exhibits at public venues around Robeson County. Many of the Art Guild artists and supporters live outside Lumberton. The goal is to provide an opportunity for communities in which the artists live or work to see the beautiful work created by their neighbors and friends. We are delighted to begin close to home and want to Thank Mark and the Trinity Episcopal Church community for welcoming us as part of their very special afternoon.
Judge: Harry Neely, Artist and Teacher
Harry Neely came to Lumberton to judge the entries prior to the opening, Harry is a North Carolinian with a long family history of musicians and artists. The family story is that when the first Neelys came to the Catawba River there was a sign that said “There is better land farther West” and those who could read, went. On a high school tour to his hometown museum, he saw the huge portrait of Queen Charlotte by Ramsay and knew he had to paint like that. At fourteen he flunked out of band, and began studying with an old, old local artist. He later learned that his early teacher trained in the circle around Monet. Although primarily self-taught, Harry studied with some of today’s prominent artists. Today, he is happy to live, paint, and teach full time in sandhills of Pinehurst, the golf capital, of North Carolina.
In addition to selecting the Award Winners, Harry had encouraging comments and feedback for the artists of many of the entries. His comments are being transcribed and will be published soon.
And the Awards Are…
First Place Winner
Metamorphosis #5, Pottery by Jim Tripp
Seond Place Winner
Bloom, Oil by Kay Bradsher
Third Place Winner
Pemaquid Lighthouse, Watercolor by Jayne Perkins
